Day trip from Pompano Beach to Keys -- doable? (Miami: motel, home)

[clevergirl67]

We will be staying in Pompano Beach mid-December and are planning a number of side trips since we've never been that far south before (I grew up in Florida, and frequent Jax, Daytona, PCB, Clearwater, etc.)

Besides the prerequisite sights (for us, that's South Beach, and an Everglades airboat trip), we were considering driving down to the keys and over Seven Mile Bridge, eating, then turning around and coming back, all in a day.

Anyone care to suggest a similar trip or perhaps even an overnight somewhere?

[PeteATL41]

not ideal...depending on the day and time traffic can be a big challenge especially as you get deeper into the Keys. Maybe stay overnight in Islamorada or Key Largo.

[clevergirl67]

Originally Posted by PeteATL41

not ideal...depending on the day and time traffic can be a big challenge especially as you get deeper into the Keys. Maybe stay overnight in Islamorada or Key Largo.

Both of those are on my short list for sure. Thanks!

[wizrap]

I concur with Pete. If you opt for Key Largo, visit John Pennekamp State Park. Depending on how adventurous you are, you can view the only living coral reef in the continental US via scuba, snorkel or glass bottom boat.

I love Islamorada too. Spent a memorable weekend drinking rum runners and enjoying the vibes there.

And yes, spend the night, don’t rush. The Keys, even the Upper Keys, are special.

[clevergirl67]

Originally Posted by wizrap

visit John Pennekamp State Park

This just showed up on another site I was looking at, and we love to snorkel, so this is definitely a must-do for us. Thank you!

[City Guy997S]

Its just over 100 miles from Pompano to Key Largo, couple hours each way with no accidents to snarl traffic. Time your trip to avoid rush hour in Miami and you will be fine.

[Tulippsy]

Sure, it’s doable, but google maps tells me it’s 4 hours each way. Do you want to spend eight hours in the car to spend a few hours at your destination? Plus, as others have said, there’s so much more to the Keys than just Key West.

[Rick In Madison]

It's been since 1988; however, I would agree with PeteATL41 & wizrap. Break up the trip and enjoy more of the local Keys experience. I had grandparents who live in Key Largo. Used to be a nice sleepy area.

[HarryWhom]

I did something similar a few years ago with some guests that wanted to see Key West. I started 127 mile further north in Sebastian. We left at 5 am to beat traffic and arrived in KW a little before lunch. We prowled Duval and other tourist sites until 5 pm. Went to Mallory Square and the Sunset Celebration. Drove back East hitting all the more interesting Tiki bars. Spent the night at a perfectly kept Mid Century motel in Islamorada called the Drop Anchor Inn. Took our time and stopped at a few places in Key Largo including a wonderful lunch at Snappers. Left for home about 3pm and arrived home at 8:30 pm. You could leave at 7am for Key West and have a few more hours in Key Largo.

[clevergirl67]

Thanks for everyone's suggestions. Unfortunately the weekend we went was the one where there were hurricane winds and marine warnings, so we didn't go to the keys. Maybe we'll be back down this way again one day.